Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20901/pp.16.1.04
POPULISM IN THE UNITED STATES, HUNGARY, AND SERBIA IN A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Zoran Lutovac
; Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper examines the phenomenon of populism through a comparative overview of three specific political contexts: the United States, Hungary, and Serbia. The research focuses on three key parameters: the relationship toward the people and the elite, the relationship toward
representative democracy, and the construction of “dangerous others.” The paper aims to determine how the universal characteristics of populism adapt to different geopolitical and historical circumstances, as well as what implications these processes have for the stability
of democratic institutions. In these countries, populism builds its success on a clear division between “us” (the people) and “them” (the alienated elite) and expresses a strongly critical attitude— often even open hostility— toward the institutions of representative democracy. It also actively identifies internal and external “dangerous others” in order to mobilize and strengthen support. Understanding these common threads is crucial for analyzing and confronting the challenges that populism poses to contemporary democracy. From a comparative perspective, populist trends are concerning, and the challenge for democratic societies around the world lies in recognizing these patterns of populism and strengthening institutions. This can be achieved by introducing elements of direct democracy into post-election decision-making practices, promoting media and political literacy, supporting independent journalism, and fostering a culture of dialogue and critical thinking. Only in this way can the vitality of representative democracy be preserved and further erosion of its fundamental principles prevented.
Keywords
populism; United States; Hungary; Serbia; comparative perspective; representative democracy
Hrčak ID:
350485
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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